Thread: rusty otto

I have an Otto Busch carbon steel razor that likes to rust anywhere at anytime. I have tried camelia oil, mineral oil, Wahl oil, gun oil, clove oil, olive oil, lanolin oil and finally motor oil. Nothing! I tried gun wax, car wax, furniture wax, fountain pen wax and ear wax, the rust keeps coming back. I even polished it with Simicrome polsih and then with Flitz. What next, give me some ideas. Juan.

Are we talking real rust or black staining that shows up on the blade after each shave?

Blood red rust, I thought I cut myself with the razor. It was old fashion rust. How about rust remover? Juan/

You could try rust remover but chances are it will eventually show up again as you'll be using the razor.
Where is the rust? On several spots or just one? Can you post any pics.
We have to evaluate the origin of the rust. It might be the rust spot(s) go to deep in the steel but could eventually be removed by sanding down or regrounding the razor.
If it keeps coming back like you said then I think the rust spot(s) go deep.

is it something with the scales maybe? if it goes deep you could put a rust converter on it maybe. or boil the blade for 10-15 minutes, that should convert any rust from ferrous to ferric oxide (black).

Red

The rust is all over the blade, no single spot. I have concluded that since it is a good shaver, I will keep my eye on it and keep it clean and oily and live with it. Just like an old oil leaking car, keep your eye on it. My others Otto Busch do not have this problem. This partiluar Busch model "the classic" has this problem. I saw the same razor at ebay with the same rust and the others in inventory from the seller also had the same rust as reported to me by the seller. The burden of a rusty Otto. Juan.

Sounds like Cell-Rot.

What the ? is cell-rot.

Cell rot must have something to do with the scales from celluloid disintegrating.

I've heard a similar story about a Thiers Issard lately.
Just some spots and always at the same place, but coming back really quick each time after shave.
The guy had no explanation, cleaned, dried, oiled and they still came back.
Finally he succeeded with a real good polish.
Seemed as if the steel was not sealed anyhow.

I have an Otto with the beautiful green celluloid scales that has exactly the same problem. Sure does sound like you are a victim of cell rot (degassing). Best description of this that I have seen is on Bill Ellis's blog. Take a look there for a good explanation of the problem. There is no known cure as far as I know but if you find one please let us know! Good luck.